Being diagnosed with diabetes is life-changing. There is a slew of appointments, things to remember and check. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you grow more comfortable with the diagnosis and care, it is important to educate yourself on other health conditions that may arise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here we take a look at a common skin problem among diabetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diabetic dermopathy, also known as shin spots or pigmented patches, is a common skin problem for people with diabetes. Skin is our largest organ. It is one of the most vital organs because its purpose is to protect all others. The skin encounters various toxins and environmental irritants and can be home to many bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a person who has diabetes has elevated blood sugars<\/a>, it can lead to poor blood circulation. As a result, the inability to heal efficiently and many cutaneous disorders<\/a> can occur. If there is decreased blood flow to an area, injuries can leave longer-lasting bruises and skin lesions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Characteristically the spots look like oval or round, slightly indented scaly patches that are light brown or reddish, often on the front of your legs (pretibial patches) that can turn into ulcers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While the shin is the most common part of the body affected, it can appear on other body parts such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms. These lesions may appear on anyone, particularly after an injury, but they are one of the most common skin problems found in patients with diabetes mellitus.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While there is a clear connection between dermopathy and diabetes, the cause is unknown. It appears that poor circulation may make you inclined to develop dermopathy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetic dermopathy tends to occur in older individuals with long-standing diabetes. Men aged 50 years and older with existing diabetic neuropathy<\/a> are more likely to develop this than their female counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skin tags, while harmless, can be an annoying skin formation where skin hangs from the stalk, growth at the base of the skin. While these happen independently, sometimes skin tags are a sign of diabetes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetic bullae<\/a> are blister-like dermopathy lesions. They occur spontaneously on the feet and hands of diabetic patients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although rare, diabetic bullae are a distinct marker for diabetes. They are also more common in patients who have long-standing diabetes or multiple diabetic complications<\/a>, particularly neuropathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Granuloma annulare is elevated red bumps or diabetic dermopathy lesions. Young diabetics make up the majority of those suffering from this condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Granuloma annulare is common on the feet and hands. This condition strongly links with autoimmune disorders and hyperlipidemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eruptive xanthomatosis is a skin condition that causes small yellow-red bumps to occur all over the body. Its leading cause is excessively high blood lipid levels (triglycerides). Those with diabetes and subsequently elevated triglyceride levels are prone to eruptive xanthoma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stasis dermatitis occurs when there is venous insufficiency or poor circulation in the lower legs. Venous insufficiency happens when the valves in leg veins that help push blood back to the heart weaken and leak fluid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As this occurs, water and blood cells pool in the lower legs. Venous insufficiency is caused by aging, but it can also signal a serious underlying medical condition, such as kidney or heart disease<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, because the diabetic patient is susceptible to nerve damage and complications of neuropathy, this is a concerning condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Acanthosis nigricans is skin darkening, commonly on the neck, groin, armpits, or behind the knees. The skin darkening can be the marker of hormonal changes, an indication of diseases like cancer or, in the case of diabetes, and an indicator of elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During a physical examination, the doctor will look for signs of anthracosis nigricans. This skin condition may appear long before other physical symptoms of diabetes appear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A patient-centered approach to diabetic healthcare is vital. Establishing a good working relationship with your healthcare team is essential. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of the many comorbidities that can occur with diabetes mellitus, it is necessary to monitor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n A diabetic patient must work closely with their healthcare team. Open, consistent communication will ensure a continuum of care and overall better health outcomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, there is a myriad of diabetic complications that can arise. Decreased blood flow in limbs can pose a risk do developing issues like diabetic blisters, which can lead to infection<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The diabetic foot <\/strong>warrants daily foot checks. Nerve damage can cause a loss of feeling, making you unaware that something is amiss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A blister, cut, or sore that is slow to heal should prompt you to call your physician. A daily foot check can be as easy as sliding a handheld mirror from under your bed and doing a visual inspection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While completing this check for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Daily foot care is imperative. Beyond doing a daily foot check, be mindful to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If an allergic reaction <\/strong>occurs <\/strong>after a new medication is started, <\/strong>the skin issue may be directly related to the drug. As indicated above, many of these skin concerns can signify that something is amiss with your blood sugar levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So getting in contact with your doctor is the first step. If you have existing diabetes, getting your blood sugar levels into the target range with help. A complete physical exam will entail a foot check and lab work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Obtaining a visit with an optometrist with a dilated eye exam will look at small blood vessels and their health. Diagnosing diabetic dermopathy begins with a physical examination, where the doctor will examine the area affected, the shape, color, and size. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the doctor feels that it is not diabetic dermopathy, they may suggest a skin biopsy may be acquired. A close tissue examination will determine if there are concerns with slow wound healing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSymptoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Causes & Risk factors <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diabetic Skin Conditions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Skin Tags<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diabetic Bullae<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Granuloma annulare<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eruptive xanthomatosis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stasis dermatitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Acanthosis nigricans<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prevention<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When to see a doctor <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diabetes foot care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Diagnosis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatment <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n